Landscape with Invisible Hand Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

Trailer

Director: Cory Finley
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Comedy
Release year: 2023
Runtime (length): 1h 45min
IMDb rating: 5.9/10 (4,100 votes)
Rotten Tomatoes: 48%

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0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

After aliens make everyone jobless, two teens realize the only thing they can monetize for the new overlords is their awkward, on-camera attempt at romance, proving love is literally priceless (to aliens).

🍿 Landscape with Invisible Hand: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Life Under the Vuvv Occupation

Years after the arrival of the technologically advanced alien species known as the Vuvv, Earth’s economy has collapsed, leaving most humans impoverished and unemployed. The Vuvv, resembling loaf-like creatures, have rendered traditional jobs obsolete with their superior technology and bureaucratic rule, creating a stark divide between a privileged few and the struggling masses. The story centers on the Campbell family, including aspiring teenage artist Adam, his pragmatic mother Beth, and younger sister Natalie, who are among those facing severe financial hardship. They struggle to maintain their home and find a place in the new world order imposed by the Vuvv.

A Desperate Plan for Survival

Adam develops a relationship with Chloe, a new girl whose family is also facing homelessness. Discovering that the Vuvv are fascinated by human emotions, particularly love and romance, Adam and Chloe hatch a risky plan. They decide to livestream their burgeoning teenage relationship to the Vuvv via neural nodes, hoping to earn enough money to support their families. The Vuvv pay handsomely for access to authentic human feelings and interactions, turning Adam and Chloe’s relationship into a popular form of reality entertainment across the galaxy. For a time, this provides a lifeline for both families, allowing them temporary stability in a precarious world.

The Strains of Live-Streamed Love

Maintaining a publicly viewable, authentic romance proves challenging for Adam and Chloe. The pressure of performing their emotions for an alien audience strains their relationship, causing genuine feelings to falter. When their ‘courtship broadcast’ starts losing its authenticity, the Vuvv threaten legal action for breach of contract, putting both families in an even more dire situation. Facing potential ruin, the families must navigate complex negotiations with the Vuvv, leading to unexpected and bizarre arrangements, including one Vuvv unit moving in with the Campbells to better observe human life and culture.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

If you plan to watch the movie first, watch here and come back to this section afterward.

See Spoilers and Ending

What Happens at the End? (Spoilers)

After the live-streamed romance collapses and the Vuvv impose strict penalties, the Campbell and Marsh families face increasingly desperate circumstances. Adam is forced to consider a Vuvv offer to create art for their market, but only if it conforms to their bland, palatable aesthetic, presenting a moral conflict for the young artist. The film culminates not in a grand resolution or rebellion, but with the characters continuing to navigate their oppressive reality. The Vuvv integrate further into human life in peculiar ways, while the characters make difficult, often humiliating, compromises to survive. The ending leaves the audience with a sense of unresolved struggle, highlighting the ongoing nature of the characters’ plight and the persistent, albeit often mundane, challenges of living under the ‘invisible hand’ of alien capitalism.

The Significance of the Open Ending (Spoilers)

‘Landscape with Invisible Hand’ avoids a conventional climax or happy ending. Instead, its open, somewhat anti-climactic conclusion underscores the film’s central themes: the crushing weight of economic inequality, the commodification of human life and emotion, and the difficulty of maintaining dignity and authenticity in a system designed to exploit both. The lack of clear resolution suggests that the struggle for survival and identity in this alien-controlled world is ongoing and messy, much like navigating complex socio-economic systems in our own reality. Adam’s artistic choices at the end reflect the tension between creative integrity and the need to compromise for survival.

🎬 Cast & Characters

Adam Campbell (Asante Blackk): The teenage artist who livestreams his budding romance with Chloe to financially support his family under alien occupation.
Chloe Marsh (Kylie Rogers): Adam’s new girlfriend and partner in a livestreamed romance project, whose family is struggling with homelessness under alien rule.
Beth Campbell (Tiffany Haddish): Adam’s mother, a former lawyer who struggles to find work and maintain her family’s stability in the alien-occupied world.
Mr. Marsh (Josh Hamilton): Chloe’s father, who, along with his children, becomes reliant on the Campbell family after losing everything due to the alien occupation.
Hunter Marsh (Michael Gandolfini): Chloe’s bitter brother, who lives with the Campbell family and harbors resentment towards their circumstances and the alien occupiers.

💬 Memorable Quotes

💰Box Office

Budget: Unknown
Domestic Gross: $203,403
Worldwide Gross: $203,403

💥 Landscape with Invisible Hand Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, this movie was… different! I went in expecting standard sci-fi, but got this really weird, unsettling, and surprisingly relatable story about just trying to survive when the world goes completely sideways. The aliens looking like grumpy coffee tables and communicating with weird clicks was genius – totally alien, not just rubber suits. I felt for Adam and Chloe; their cringe-worthy ‘love broadcast’ felt like a dark exaggeration of influencer culture today, which was a neat touch. Tiffany Haddish was fantastic in a serious role, bringing a much-needed dose of weary reality to the chaos. The film’s pace felt slow at times, and the ending left me hanging a bit, but the unique atmosphere and sharp jabs at our own society stuck with me. It’s definitely one I’ll be thinking about for a while.

Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of unique and unconventional science fiction”
- “Viewers interested in social satire and allegorical storytelling”
- “Those who appreciate character-driven dramas”
- “Audiences looking for films that explore themes of capitalism, inequality, and the future of work”
- “Fans of indie cinema”
Content warnings ⚠:
- “Rated R for language and brief violent content.”
- “Features themes of economic hardship and social inequality that some viewers may find depressing.”
- “Includes some awkward/uncomfortable social situations related to the alien interactions and commodification of life.”

Professional Reviews

Flicker & Fade Review: “Cory Finley’s latest is a quirky, unsettling sci-fi satire that uses benevolent-looking aliens to skewer capitalism and social media voyeurism. While its tone is often inconsistent and the pacing drags in places, the unique Vuvv design and committed performances, particularly from Asante Blackk and Tiffany Haddish, make it a thought-provoking, if uneven, watch.
The Daily Reel: “Landscape with Invisible Hand boasts a truly original premise and leans hard into its weirdness. The film shines brightest when exploring the awkward human-alien interactions and the struggles of Adam’s family. However, it juggles too many thematic balls, leaving some underdeveloped, and the ending feels less like a conclusion and more like an abrupt halt. A compelling concept that doesn’t quite stick the landing.
Reel Insights: “More allegory than action, this film uses a peculiar alien occupation to paint a bleak but often darkly funny picture of economic disparity and the commodification of human life. The performances are grounded and relatable amidst the absurdity. It’s not a popcorn flick, but for those who appreciate social commentary wrapped in unique sci-fi packaging, it offers plenty to chew on.

Audience Reactions

Many viewers were fascinated by the bizarre and unique alien designs and language.: The film is widely praised for its originality, strong acting performances (especially Tiffany Haddish), and thought-provoking social satire disguised as sci-fi.

The dark humor and awkward human-alien interactions landed well with many.: Its commentary on capitalism, work, and relationships in a future world resonated deeply with viewers, sparking discussion.

Adam’s artwork and the theme of human creativity against oppression were highlights for some.: While acknowledged as slow or ambiguous by some, many appreciated its ambitious themes and unique artistic style, recommending it to those looking for something outside the mainstream.

Overall Consensus: A divisive but generally appreciated sci-fi satire lauded for its unique premise, strong performances, and sharp social commentary, though some found its pacing slow and tone inconsistent.

Awards

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🛠️ Behind the Scenes

“The unique sound of the alien Vuvv language was created using dried out coconuts with nails in them, rubbed against mossy rocks.”

🖥️ How to Watch Landscape with Invisible Hand?

Initially released in select theaters in August 2023 (US) and November 2023 (UK), ‘Landscape with Invisible Hand’ later became available for home viewing. As of late 2023/early 2024, the film can be streamed on platforms such as Prime Video. Digital rental and purchase options are also typically available through major services like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube Movies, and Vudu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Landscape with Invisible Hand, you might like these similar films:

District 9 (2009): Like ‘Landscape with Invisible Hand’, this film uses an alien presence as a powerful allegory for social commentary, focusing on themes of marginalization, class, and economic disparity.
Arrival (2016): A more serious, yet equally thoughtful, science fiction film about alien first contact that explores how humanity interacts with and is changed by a vastly different intelligence, focusing on communication and understanding.
Sorry to Bother You (2018): This film offers a surreal and darkly comedic satire on capitalism, corporate exploitation, and the lengths people go to survive in a system designed against them, much like the human struggle under Vuvv rule.
Don’t Look Up (2021): Features a satirical take on humanity’s often absurd and self-serving reaction to an impending existential threat or unusual event, similar to the cynical, capitalist-driven response to the Vuvv occupation.
They Live (1988): A cult classic science fiction film where an alien presence secretly controls society through consumerism and mass media, resonating with ‘Landscape’s themes of alien control and the commodification of human life/culture.

🛒 Landscape with Invisible Hand Related Products

Landscape with Invisible Hand Novel: Read the critically acclaimed 2017 novel by M.T. Anderson that inspired the film, diving deeper into the post-alien occupation world and the characters’ struggles.
Unique Sci-Fi Movie Poster: Landscape with Invisible Hand: A high-quality print of the film’s distinctive theatrical poster, featuring the striking visual style and core characters.
Digital Copy of Landscape with Invisible Hand: Own the film digitally to rewatch the peculiar alien invasion and its impact on human society anytime, on your preferred device.
Intro to Drawing & Painting Kit: Inspired by Adam’s passion for art in the film, this kit provides basic supplies for aspiring artists to explore their own creativity.

🎧 Soundtrack

Landscape with Invisible Hand features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

“Outside” – performed by TOPS

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

What are the aliens like in Landscape with Invisible Hand?

The aliens, called the Vuvv, are depicted as small, coffee table-sized creatures with a loaf-like appearance, paddle legs, and caterpillar-like eyes. They communicate in a unique, scratchy language. They are technologically advanced but seem emotionally detached and fascinated by human love and culture, which they often misunderstand or attempt to commodify.

Is Landscape with Invisible Hand a comedy or drama?

The film blends genres. It is primarily a drama and social satire set in a sci-fi dystopian future. While it has moments of dark humor and absurdity stemming from the bizarre situation and the Vuvv’s behavior, many viewers describe it as melancholy and depressing rather than a straightforward comedy.

What is the meaning or message of the movie?

The movie is widely interpreted as an allegory or satire critiquing capitalism, economic inequality, globalization, social media culture, and colonialism. It explores themes of class disparity, the commodification of human life and emotion, the struggle between artistic integrity and commercialization, and survival under an oppressive, alien economic system.

Is Landscape with Invisible Hand based on a book?

Yes, ‘Landscape with Invisible Hand’ is based on the 2017 young adult novel of the same name by acclaimed author M. T. Anderson.

Where can I watch Landscape with Invisible Hand?

You can typically stream ‘Landscape with Invisible Hand’ on platforms like Prime Video. It is also usually available for digital rental or purchase on services such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube Movies, and Vudu.

🔥 Bonus Content

Alien became his father #movie #series

This clip highlights a really unique relationship in the movie – how an alien ends up in a father figure role. It’s a short look at the unusual premise that got so many people talking!

welcome home son landscape with invisible hand #movie

Curious about the vibe of the film? This quick snippet gives you a peek into a scene with a high view count – it must capture a moment that resonates with viewers!

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